Jellystone campground gets new owners

Ranger Smith out front should have told you: Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Campground and Resort in Lincoln is under new management.

The campground, located just off Route 1 between Milton and Milford, was purchased by Ocean City’s  Blue Water Development in November and opened up for the season April 1. 

Tony Nichols, Blue Water’s regional campground manager, said the company is nearly 20 years old, with experience in managing campgrounds, hotels and other attractions. Jellystone is Blue Water’s second campground in Delaware, after Massey’s Landing in Millsboro.

“Jellystone is a family-focused brand and fits perfectly with Blue Water’s values and mission. The Lincoln-area campground is in a great location, just minutes to Lewes and Rehoboth Beach, and we recognized a great opportunity to elevate the park with new amenities,” Nichols said.

He said Blue Water is working on millions of dollars’ worth of planned improvements, including a new splashpad and water slides, a new playground and a new Wi-Fi system. Nichols said most of these improvements are either already completed or should be completed by Memorial Day. In addition, he said the company has introduced golf cart rentals and themed events for holidays through Halloween. 

In order to comply with COVID-19 regulations, Nichols said occupancy limits are being enforced at the indoor and outdoor facilities around the grounds, with mask and social distancing information posted throughout the park.  COVID-related information can also be found on the Jellystone website. 

The campground consists of 23 cabins, 216 full-electric-hookup campsites, 16 pull-thru sites and three tent sites. It can accommodate RVs of any size as the sites are 40 feet wide by 50 feet deep. The grounds also include a batting cage, basketball court, laundry room and general store. 

Jellystone General Manager Bryan Fykes said, “Campers who have enjoyed Jellystone in the past can expect an elevated experience. We’ve enhanced and accentuated all of the things that make Jellystone Delaware an exceptional family vacation destination.”

Reservations can be made at delawarejellystone.com or by phone at 302-491-6614; new campers are encouraged to call. Camping season ends Monday, Nov. 1.